Single Idea 2491

[catalogued under 18. Thought / B. Mechanics of Thought / 3. Modularity of Mind]

Full Idea

The four essential properties of modules are: encapsulation (information doesn't flow, as in the persistence of illusions); inaccessibility (unreportable); domain specificity (they have private concepts); innateness (genetically preprogrammed).

Gist of Idea

Modules have encapsulation, inaccessibility, private concepts, innateness

Source

Jerry A. Fodor (In a Critical Condition [2000], Ch.11)

Book Reference

Fodor,Jerry A.: 'In Critical Condition' [MIT 2000], p.127


A Reaction

If they have no information flow, and are unreportable and private, this makes empirical testing of Fodor's hypothesis a little tricky. He must be on to something, though.